Sleepless Strikes (Hono/Elyss)

So much to do. With everything happening Hono could feel her head practically spinning. Her sleep was out of wack since she slept as little as possible to work more, and support those in the Rukongai. Not to mention many of her friends had some nasty losses after the attack, making her drive to help even stronger.

Her family made it out unscathed which she was grateful for. To no one’s surprise, Hono was out in the Northern Tenth District, where she grew up. There was some rubble and displacement! After clearing away at the rubble she was able to create a few shelters with the still-standing homes and the help of the other people of the Tenth. It wasn’t fancy, far from it, but it was shelter for now.

Another thing Hono did was provide rations. She was already told she cooked for an entire army… so why not use those cooking skills to help out here? Using basic ingredients Hono made things like rice balls and sandwiches, using her Reishi to help with hunger. Though it was starting to pile up, lack of sleep, constant working, using her Reishi… She was exhausted.

For now, Hono was training herself, standing roughly in the middle of the tenth as people moved some more rubble, enjoyed their lunches, or just got some relaxation for just a second. Hono was striking a handmade dummy. A sack of grain on a bamboo pole stabbed into the ground. Just from a glance, her stance was mostly fine, very fundamental, however to someone who KNEW her fighting, they’d see that her tiredness was greatly affecting her stance, her eyes laser-focused on his straw dummy, striking at it with her zanpakuto. She had to get stronger. She was GOING to get stronger.

One thousand strikes. That was her goal. As Hono focused on the dummy in front of her, she struck it, fighting through the tiredness that struck through her body. The names of her friends flashed in her head, they were hurt. If she was stronger she could protect everyone. As much as her body was telling her to stop, she just couldn’t let that happen, no breaks…

However, the only thing to break her focus was a spiritual pressure, a strong one, it was surging, something was off. As Hono turned, she spotted the source. Elyss…it had been roughly a week since they last saw one another. Panting a bit from the training Hono would drop her Zanpakuto, and rush towards the red-head.

“Elyss!” She called out to get her attention. Her motherly instinct took hold. “When did you get back to Soul Society? Is everything okay? What are you doing out here?!” These questions came in rapid fire. Though as Hono’s gaze met Elyss’ dried eyes. She would instantly pull her into an embrace.

“I’m here… talk to me for once.”

Her eyes. Tears? That was a first, Elyss didn’t cry, at least Hono hadn’t seen it before. This only made the knots in Hono’s stomach churn yet again. As their eyes met, Hono stared at Elyss’ eyes dry eyes. As they embraced, Hono didn’t let go. If anything she only squeezed Elyss tighter. Placing a hand on her back she would pat her, gently caressing her back.

“Don’t Hi Hono me. Tell me what happened…” she spoke in a very soft tone, which was different from her usual deep and cheery tone. “Remember the promise I made? That I’d be there to help you?” She finally broke from their hug, stepping back to give Elyss some space.

Her baggy eyes were prevalent as she looked directly at her woman. “I couldn’t help everyone. But please. Let me help someone I care about!” She spoke, her voice a little shaky, seeing Elyss like this would cause Hono to tear up herself.

Hono made sure to keep her eyes locked on Elyss, her hands tightly holland Elyss. Well, Hono didn’t much have a PLACE as much as a shelter, but regardless, she’d make sure Elyss was taken care of. Her family would help, and they like Elyss, so that helped. As they began to walk and hug, Hono planted her feet wanting to comfort Elyss now rather than later.

Soon she stepped in front of the redhead, placing her hands on her waist before looking downwards. Loss. Loss was tough, but Hono was going to be there for her. Pulling the redhead in, Hono would hug her, resting her head on the former captain’s shoulder. It was difficult for Hono to think of exactly what to say, she wasn’t going to lie and be cliche, telling Elyss she understood, cause… she didn’t. Instead, Hono would begin to lightly hum as she patted Elyss on the back.

“Mom and Dad are living in a little shack right now, but yes, they’d love to have you…” She spoke softly, trying to soothe the woman just a bit. “I…I’m really sorry to hear that. There was a lot of loss. People I care about got hurt and kidnapped.”

With a sight smile, Hono would whisper to Elyss. “Do you wanna cry on my shoulder? Let it all out…”